Nasal implant introduced through a non-surgical injection technique

Abstract

A method for non-surgically treating an internal nasal valve of a patient comprising, injecting a working device into the internal nasal valve of the patient, wherein the injected working device in the nasal tissue causes an alteration of an internal or external nasal valve. A device introduced by injection into the nose, allowing for structural support or filling of defects in the nose, and causing a change in external shape of the nose. The device and inserts and implants described also have use in cosmetic applications relating to the facial tissue.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for treating nasal conditions by inserting an implant into a nose of a patient, the method comprising:
 placing the implant within a core of an introduction needle, the implant including a suture extending from each of a first end and a second end; 
 controlling movement of the implant out of the introduction needle with an advancement shaft provided within the introduction needle; 
 controlling movement of the advancement shaft with a stop mechanism after the introduction needle arrives at a desired location in the nose; 
 attaching the suture extending from the first end of the implant to a trailing end of a guiding needle; 
 structurally preforming the implant to a desired shape before insertion of the implant within the nose; 
 introducing the guiding needle through skin of the patient; 
 tracking the guiding needle along a desired path to an implant location chosen for the implant; 
 positioning the implant at the implant location using each of the sutures extending from the first end and the second end of the implant. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the material for the implant is a bioabsorbable polymer selected from the group consisting of Poly-L-lactic acid, Poly-dl-lactic acid, Poly-e-caprolactone, and Poly-glycolic acid. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the material for the implant is a metal or metal alloy selected from the group consisting of titanium-containing alloys, platinum-tungsten alloys, nickel-containing alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, nitinol, and malleable metals. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the material for the implant is a polymer selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant is made of two or more materials. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant further comprises magnetic resonance imaging visible material. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the magnetic resonance imaging visible material comprises bands of material disposed on either end of the implant. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant is made of braided or woven material from a single material, and wherein the braided or woven material comprises pores configured to allow ingrowth of tissue after implantation. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the sutures is made of absorbable material. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant has a length, width and thickness sized for the implant to reside within the nose, the implant is selected to have a stiffness that will resist bending of nasal tissue of the patient. 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant is injected into a junction of an upper lateral cartilage portion and a septum cartilage portion of an internal nasal valve. 
     
     
       12. The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 adjusting a shape of the implant after insertion of the implant within the nose. 
 
     
     
       13. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant is used for the treatment of at least one of cosmetic changes, sleep apnea and nasal snoring. 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant is a stent. 
     
     
       15. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the injected implant causes an alteration of an internal nasal valve angle. 
     
     
       16. The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the alteration of the internal nasal valve angle results in a 10-15 degree internal nasal valve angle.